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"WELDED LINKS, 



BY 



P. ANNETTA PECKHAM. 



Morning awaking illumines the scene ' 
Where death had been reigning, angels convene, 
And in their chaste robes, to Mary, proclaim 
The links are all welded in life's golden 
chain. 



FIRST EDITION 




CH ICAGO : 

Published by P. Annetta Peckham, 

1873. 



'( OFCcv, 
-• wOPVRIGHT'-^SA 
-■^ 1875^, en 

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Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1875, 

By p. ANNETTA PECKHAM, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



r R E 8 S OF 

PITKIN & CKUVER, 

(!1II0 AGO. 



DEDICATION. 

Lin<in:^ly and respectfully I dedicate " Welded Li.yks" to 

MY MOTHER, 

Mrs. Poxexath Benedict Hitchcox, 

of Apulia, Onondaga Co., Neiv York, daughter of a Revolu- 
tionary Patriot, inheriting from hitn the sterling qualities of 
virtue which gained our independence as a Nation, combined 
with rare gentleness of nature, and a reliant faith and trust in 
the Icn'ing kindness and goodness of God, enabled her to he aft 
efficient, faithful and loving mother. Seventy and seven sum- 
mers have not dimmed the full vigor of her health and intellect; 
loved, respected and revered by all who know her. 

Through her protecting a;gis, gentle reader, for the first time 
I essay to minister to thy wants and pleasures 

Not unmindful of the perils that environ the adventurer upon 
the sea of Poesy, I have launched this frail little bark, assured 
that a generous public will accord it all the protection it deserves. 

If it stem the tide of adverse criticism, and find safe harbor 
in the hearts of those who read it, the gratification of the author 
udll be intensified, with the sweet assurance of the approval of 
her to whom these lines are dedicated, and stimulated to another 
voyage mayhap^in a larger vessel. 

P. ANN ETTA PECK HAM. 
Chicago, Jan. 15, 1875. 



1 NDEX 



Broken Links, ...... 






i) 


Gone and Left Us, .... 






U 


Have We Treasures in Heaven? 






16 


The Old Home, ..... 






18 


Destiny, . 






21 


Contentment, ..... 






23 


Abba Father, ..... 






25 


TiiEY IL^vE Borne Away My Treasure, 






27 


Sinai, 






29 


Where to Lay Me when I Die, 






. 31 


Life Harmonic 






33 


Loved and Lost, ..... 






. 36 


The Hypociionuriac, .... 






38 


My Sister, 






40 


Let There be Light, .... 






. 43 


The Sewing Girl, .... 






. . ^T 


A Mother's Lament, .... 






50 


Magdalena 






. 53 


A Common Herita<;k, . . . . 






56 



VI 



INDEX. 



The Okigin of Life, .... 

In Memoriam, ...... 

At a Dilapidated Grave in Lone Mountain, 

Mother, 

Can I BE Fickle, ...... 

Things to Avoid, ..... 

Our Darling, 

Ode to the Mountains, .... 

My Father's Grave, ..... 

The Outcast, ...... 

I Wish I were Dead, . „ . o 

California, . . ....<. 

Another Outcast, ..... 

To A Friend, . . . . « .. 

Christmas, ....... 

To A Husband, ...... 

The Foundling, 

Three Links — Resignation, Faith and Hope, 

To Masonry, 

Retrospection and Annunciation, 

Woman, ....... 



5-9 
61 
63 
65 
67 
70 
72 
75 
79 
81 
87 
90 
91 
93 
95 
97 
99 
104 
106 
110 
113 



WELDED LINKS. 



BROKEN LINKS. 






it OWN in the valley, so humble and low, 



LvS^I^ Where the cool, purling streamlets limpidly flow, 



p^ Sad hearts are sighing from memory's refrain, 
the lii 
chain. 



f 



For the links that are broken in life's o-olden 



Up on the mountains, ambition is rife. 
And hearts are aglow with fervor and strife; 
There, souls are weeping with anguish and pain, 
For the links that are broken, in life's golden 
chain. 



lO WELDED LINKS. 

In hovel and palace alike there is woe, 
Death, on his mission, doth everywhere go ; 
No place so hallowed, but that there is pain, 
For the links that are broken, in life's golden 
chain. 



All over the land, wherever we roam, 
Or wherever man shall find him a home, 
Till the ending of time, he will complain 
For the links that are broken, in life's golden 
chain. 



God of our Fathers ! oh give us that rest, 
Where we may gather again to our breast, 
Each of our loved ones, so cruelly slain, 
And count the links perfect, in life's golden 
chain. 



liKOKEN LINKS. I I 

Eve, in affliction, bowed down in her grief, 
Her only adornment a simple fig leaf; 
And in her bereavement, how sadly complained, 
For the links that were broken, in life's golden 
chain. 



She heard in the breath of the soft summer breeze, 
Waftinij a messaere throusfh fairest of trees — 

o o o 

A shriek of distress, from over the plain, 
For the link that was broken, in life's golden 
chain. 



Her offspring dishonored, humbled in pride. 
While dark crimson stains his conscience had dyed. 
And nature caught up the echoing strain. 
For the link that was broken in life's golden 
chain. 



12 WELDED LINKS. 

And bearing" its tones through ambient air, 
Heaven heard the echo and wail of despair, 
And swift from His throne the Infinite came, 
For the link that was broken in life's golden 
chain. 

Down through the ages, the cycles of time 
Have borne on their pinions in every clime. 
Echoes from Eden, fresh freighted with pain, 
For the links that were broken in life's golden 
chain. 

Again, in a garden, the mightiest wail 
Which could the high courts of Heaven assail. 
Was wrung from the Son of God in His pain, 
For the link that seemed broken in life's golden 
chain. 



BROKEN LINKS. I 3 

So great was the anguish, earth felt the pain, 
And in her convulsions, rocks rended in twain, 
And a pall hung o'er the dark Gethsemane, 
For the link that was broken in life's golden 
chain. 



Morning, awaking, illumines the scene. 
Where death had been reigning, angels convene, 
And in their chaste robes, to Mary, proclaim, 
The links are all welded in life's golden 
chain. 



H 



WELDED LINKS. 



X 



GONE AND LEFT US. 

^rONE, yes, he has grone, and left us, 
SI In this world of pain and woe ; 
^T|J^ Gone to join the hosts of Heaven, 
Where eternal pleasures Bow. 

He has passed death's pearly portals. 
Passed the sentry at the gate. 

Passed into the life elysian. 
Where attendintr auLrels wait. 

There, the soul advances higher 
In each noble thought and aim; 

And the music of the lyre, 
Is the progress we attain. 



GONE AND LEFT US. 

Happy they, who've passed death's portals — 

Happ)' all who've gone before ; 
Death is but the open gate-way — 

To the joys of Heaven the door. 

Death, the kindly friend of mortals, 

Is no foe we should berate; 
It gives a palace for a hovel, 

For filthy rags, a grand estate. 

It puts a crown on every forehead — 
A crown of bliss, that all can wear ; 

For in our Heavenly Father's mansion 
Every child may have a share. 

Then let us all, with kindly feeling. 

Pity each the other's woe ; 
And for every brother's error 

Let us great compassion show. 



I 6 WELDED LINKS. 



HAVE WE TREASURES IN HEAVEN? 



"""" 1| AVE we treasures in Heaven, laid up in store, 



ijj^^'^ 'Gainst the time when earth shall know us no more? 
'Gainst the time when a summons shall call us away. 
To leave with our form but perishing clay? 
Have we treasures in Heaven? 



Have we treasures in Heaven, mortals of earth — 
Treasures awaiting our spiritual birth? 
Treasures so precious, and of value so rare, 
Their worth shall conquer the fears of despair? 
Have we treasures in Heaven? 



HAVE WE TREASURES IN HEAVEN. 

Have we treasures in Heaven? What have we done^ 
To cause in our passport the welcome word "come"? 
Have we wiped off the tear from sorrowful eye? 
Or cheered the dark pathway of any who die? 
Have we treasures in Heaven? 

Have we treasures in Heaven? Comfort we here 
The weak and the weary, w^ho tremble with fear? 
And lift from the heart that's weighed down with care^ 
The cause of its grief and cause of despair? 
Have we treasures in Heaven? 

Have we treasures in Heaven? Mortals who weep 
For the loved ones who slumber in death's cold sleep? 
They wait you beyond, in that beautiful clime 
Where they have overcome the sorrows of time. 
We have treasures in Heaven. 



WELDED LINKS. 



THE OLD HOME. 



fe CAME agfain where once was home 



The rose its perfume shed, 
And lilies bloomed alono^ the banks, 



W'^ 



y^ Where water courses sped. 

The fish still played within the brook, 
And swam the pebbles o'er ; 

And birds still sang in every nook. 
The tunes they did of yore. 

The old house sat upon the hill 
The same as when a child ; 

The hawthorne clambered o'er the door, 
Untrained, unkempt, and wild. 



THE OLD HOME. I 9 

The fence around the crarden i>ate, 

Was also broken down ; 
The little steps I used to climb, 

Could now, no where be found. 

I thought the ijardcn was not kept 

Just as it used to be ; 
The trees and shrubs were not well trimmed, 

At least, so seemed to me. 

I wandered in the little jjath, 

\Ip to the kitchen door ; 
A strange cat played upon the mat, 

Stranofe children on the Hoor. 

I looked around upon the wall, 

Strange pictures met my gaze ; 
And stranger faces on me looked. 

In still more straui^e amaze. 



20 WELDED LINKS. 

I asked them for the friends I loved, 
In early years gone by : 

These strangers, with averted look, 
And with a half drawn sigh, — 

But pointed to a distant hill, 

Where I some mounds could see ; 

And hence, the garden is not kept, 
Just as it used to be. 



DESTINY. 



21 



DESTINY. 









Y what strange power to us is given, 
The life, for which we have not striven, 

Yet held responsible ? 
Developed from unconscious state, ^ 
Brought into life a being great — 

Commensurate with God. 



This power which first our life controlled. 
Is the great Author of our soul ; 

And is our first prime cause: 
And shall He have of us less care, 
Since we His conscious creatures are. 

And He our Father God? 



22 WELDED LINKS. 

The world He holds at His command, 
Sun, moon and stars rest in His hand, 

And man His greatest care; 
Submissive to this God is man. 
And only second, in the plan 

Of all His wondrous works. 

Broueht into life for noble cause, 
A part and parcel of God's laws. 

Which cannot be destroyed ; 
With His existence ours shall run, 
Thoueh wane the earth and fade the sun, 

Triumphant still is man. 

What matter where in space he dwell, 
Jupiter, Venus, Mars, or hell, 

Since God reigns everywhere? 
He fills immensity ot space, 
Where He is not, there is no place, 

And where He is, there's Heaven. 



CONIENTMENT. 



contp:ntment. 



glONTENTMENT comes from perfect rest, 
li^^ Where all the passions of the ])reast 
i'J^ Are fully satisfied ; 

No passion, thought, or u;oocl to gain, 
No filthy lucre to attain — 

Man sits him down to die. 

Without ambition in our life, 

The world would cease its busy strife. 

And man a sluggard be: 
The fields would ne'er produce their grain. 
Birds never sing a joyful strain, 

Nor children leap for joy. 



24 WELDED LINKS. 

The swelling sea would cease to moan, 
And utter never more a groan 

From out her heaving breast : 
Would never meet the sanded shore, 
With tiny wave or boisterous roan 

If all were satisfied. 

God never rests, nor stands He still 
In all the workings of His will ; 

The worlds move on apace : 
Sun, moon and stars but circle round, 
As the Infinity hath found 

They bes«t may serve His plan. 

Most wonderful in all this plan 

Of conscious thought, is restless man, 

With impress of Divinity ; 
And as his Maker does not rest, 
So in man's active, restless breast, 

Contentment is not found. 



ABHA FATHER. 25 




ABBA FATHER. 

j-LLI MIT ABLE, incomprehensible, something, 
Ist Which we call God, 

Filling all space, abiding in all things, 
Moving the mighty universe — 
Noiseless and unseen ; 
Soul of all things, 
Essence of all life, 
Prime cause of all that was, and is to come; 
Whose home ! 
Is in the blade of grass, 
The trembling leaflet. 
And the boisterous sea. 



26 WELDED LINKS. 

Whose voice ! 
The infant's wail, 
The maiden's song, 
And thunder's loudest crash ; 

Whose breath ! 
May blast the fairest flower ; 

Whose look! 
May wither in an hour ; 
Whose love! 
None can compare ; 
Whose name — 
Not knowing- what to call, 
Creating each, and ruling all, 
We call him Abba Father. 



THEY HAVE BORNE AWAY MV 'IKEASUKE. 



-^Z 



THEY HAVE BORNE AWAY MY TREASURE. 



^^"^ HEY have borne away my treasure — 



Borne my treasure far away, 
^ And have left him cold and lifeless, 

Where there's naught but common clay. 



They have borne away my treasure. 
Torn him from my fond embrace, 

And I saw him in a casket, 

Like a prison form encased. 



They have borne away my treasure, 
Rudely sundered every tie ; 

Lacerated all the feelings, 

Which in human bosoms lie. 



28 WELDED LINKS. 

They have borne away my treasure, 
Mystic forms I could not see — 

Borne him to a blessed Eden, 
Where he only waits for me. 

They have borne away my treasure — 
There are treasures gone before. 

And I know they're waiting for me, 
Waiting on the mystic shore. 



* SINAI. 



29 



SINAI. 



4^ 



HE vaulted heavens trembled with fear, 



I When God on Sinai appeared, 
And Moses wrote the law. 
I The earth with dreadful terror shook, 

And Moses dared not even look, 

From whence the voice came forth. 



The sleeping rocks heard his command, 
And passive did not dare to stand 

Before his majesty ; 
They raised their heads, and bowed in fear, 
While on their stolid breasts, appeared 

God's holy written law. 



WELDED LINKS. 

The sacred Mount, too, hid her face. 
And trembled in her rocky base. 

When God her bosom pressed ; 
She vailed her face in smoke, and fire, 
As louder rung the mystic lyre. 

Throughout eternal space. 

Thunders, and lightning- rent the air — = 
God's awful majesty was there — 

Loud blew the trumpet blast ; 
The people quaked with dreadful fear, 
Nor to the mountain dare draw near, 

But moved them far away. 

Darkness obscured each ray of light, 
And, in the smoking mountain height, 

Moses drew near to God ; 
His hicrh behest to him was eiven — 
The law to man, from God in heaven, 

Was given on Sinai. 



WHERE TO I-.W ME WHEN I DIE. 



m^ 

' >" 




WHERE TO LAY ME WHEN I DIE. 

f^^fOT where gay and gorgeous splendor, 

|5 

[| Rear their palaces around, 

Nor where architectural beauty, 
Decorates the sacred mound. 

But where humble bells are chiming, 
Music sweet doth softly flow. 

Where the birds shall sing their carols, 
Free from sorrow, pain and woe. 

Where the wild flowers shed their fragrance. 
On the summer's balmy air. 

Where there's laughing, limpid streamlets — 
When I die, please lay me there. 



WELDED LINKS. 

Lay me where the fragrant flowers, 
Bloom above my lonely head ; 

Where the grass shall wave my welcome — 
Wave a welcome for the dead. 



THE 1.1 KK HARMONIC. 



33 



THE LIFE HARMONIC. 



^R/ V-VN'? -" 




HAT consolation it doth lend, 
pTo know we have a human friend, 
Whose impulse is at least in part. 

Accordant with our own. 
How then, we brave the ills of lite, 
Through all the weary, anxious strife, 
Of time's unfeeling- years. 



What hope, what cheer, rise in the soul, 
As we approach the final goal 

Of life's supreme delight ; 
Where human friendship does not end, 
WHierc friend in concert with a friend. 

Pursue their course tOL^ether. 



WELDED JJNKS. 

This was the bliss that Eden knew, 
Whose fruits, supernal ever grew 

Upon the tree of life. 
'Tis this, that makes the roses bloom, 
And gives to each their sweet perfume. 

That scents the morning air. 

'Tis this, that orives the violet's hue, 
And beauty in the sparkling dew, 

Before the rising sun. 
'Tis this that weaves the woof of day, 
And by the sun's effulgent ray 

Dispels the gloom of night. 

'Tis this harmonic life within. 
That compensates for all of sin, 

From which we suffer here ; 
It makes the crooked pathway straight, 
And in the things we loathe, and hate. 

Find somethiny: to admire. 



THE LIFE HARMONIC. 35 

It turns the world all upside down, 
In theories on which we frown, 

Still find there's something; s^ood. 
Poor Judas served a purpose well, 
And Peter, who a lie did tell, 

Was still beloved of God. 

God's handiwork the worlds proclaim; 
'Twas l)y His fiat that there came 

Each creature into life ; 
And in his sphere, each praise his God 
As perfectly as they who've trod 

The better walks of life. 



36 WELDED LINKS. 




LOVED AND LOST 



if' ID he love me ? ah well I knew, 



r^^, Than his, was never love more true ; 
And he could tell by the swelling sigh, 
That none, more truly loved than L 

Our souls like one, were knit together. 
In bonds so strong that none could sever, 
Nor is there aught of human ill. 
That can such true devotion chill. 

Fierce tempests hurled their rudest blast, 
And in our souls, dark shadows cast. 
Which love, with all her potent power. 
Could not dispel, in that dread hour. 



LOVED AND LOST. 37 

Thus Stood we helpless in the gale, 
Which did two loving souls assail ; 
And calmly looked at the frowning sky, 
Which brouo-ht but sure destruction niirh. 

He drew me closer to his breast, 
His lips on mine a kiss impressed, 
And in that last farewell embrace 
My bitter tears bedewed his face. 

With anguish then, my soul was wrung, 
Hopes, to the bitter winds were flung, 
Birds told of sorrow when they sung, 
And life indeed was desolate, 



38 WELDED LINKS. 



THE HYPOCHONDRIAC. 



"ij^^F" EAD to me all of life's treasures, 



4 Dead, the friends of life's early morn, 



1^ 



Dead to me life's joys and sorrows, 

Dead to me, its rose and its thorn. 

Dead to me, sunshine and shadow, 

Dead to me, life's tempest and storm, 

Dead to me all of life's pleasures, 

Dead, are all I've cherished so long. 

Dead to me, the sneer of kindred, 

Dead the taunt of life's jolly throng ; 

Dead to me the purling- streamlet, 
Dead to me the music of songr. 



THE ini'OCIIOXDRIAC. 39 

Dead to nie the glee of childhood, 

Dead to me the beauty of youth, 
Dead, all the grandeur of manhood. 

Dead to me pure womanly worth. 

Dead, to every aspiration, 

Dead, to every noble aim ; 
Dead, but to the hell within me, 

Dead hangs the pall upon my brain. 

What a curse must be this fellow — < 

What a blight upon the earth — 
What a walking, stalking shadow, 

To have had from woman birth. 



40 WELDED LINKS. 



MY SISTER. 



MY sister was swe-et and charmingly fair 
vrWith eves like diamonds, and liofht ofolden hair; 
^^^\^ Her mouth was encircled with jewels of pearl, 
^^ And she was an artless, and innocent girl. 



My sister was good, none purer than she. 
For she was as pure as Heaven could be , 
The breath of her soul, was fragrance so sweet, 
That ancrels mieht even bow down at her feet. 

She saw but in man, the good, and the fair. 
Nor dreamed that her soul could taste of despair; 
She thought that the world was an Eden of bliss, 
Nor dreamed that a serpent might lurk in a kiss. 



MV SISTER. 41 

She thought that the world was the fairest of bowers, 
And had not a thorn 'mong all its flowers ; 
She dreamed that their fragrance only would shed, 
Like perfume from heaven, a crown on her head. 

She thought that in man was nothino^ but truth 
And yielded to him all the beauty of youth ; 
Gave up her soul, with all that was fair. 
And reaped but the fruits of bitter despair. 

My sister is scorned, and hissed with contempt — 
This beautiful flower the tempest has bent ; 
Bowed is her head, in the deepest of woe, 
Which into the soul of a woman can flow. 

The rose in her cheek is pale with despair, 
And the light in her eye has faded with care , 
She sees in the world but darkness and gloom, 
And her Eden of bliss turned into a tomb. 



42 WELDED LINKS. 

My sister ! ah who can deny her the name ? 
Where is the first one to censure or blame ? 
If Jesus were here, I think He alone 
Might faultlessly cast at my sister a stone. 



LET THERE BE LIOIIT. -rO 



LET THERE BE LIGHT. 



ET there be lii'-ht ! 



m 



"f 



^<i 



I 



And there was heard, 
A breath along- th'-, leaden air 
^ Which stirred it into life. 

It pierced the deadly, deepest gloom, 
Which made this world a mouldering tomb 
Without an occupant. 

Let there be light ! 
And with it came 
Unnumbered forms of every name, 

Filline the earth and air; 
And that which just before, had been 
A shapeless, lifeless, useless thing. 
Now bore a beauteous form. 



44 WELDED LINKS. 

Let there be liofht! 
Aeain was heard ; 
And darkness from its depths was stirred- 

Man came upon the scene: 
A being likened unto God, 
And pure as they who first had trod 
The upper courts of Heaven. 

Let there be light! 
And man was crowned ; 
With solemn stillness all around, 

A fairy creature came: 
Her form was shapely and divine, 
More beautiful than all the kind 

Which peopled earth or Heaven. 

Let there be light ! 
Harmonic force, 
In all the beauties of its course. 
Produced a perfect man ; 



LET THERE BE LIGHT. 45 



Though in an humble manger born, 

The Eastern star the place adorned, 

And shone o'er Nazareth. 



Let there be light ! 
And swiftly came 
From science, and from art a flame 

Which set the world aglow ; 
Its silver beams and golden ray 
Dispelled the clouds, and mists away, 
Which shrouded human minds. 



Let there be light ! 
Intolerance fled ; 
And persecution's direful tread 

No more caused dread alarm. 
The reckless, clamorous, thoughtless clan, 
Became as peaceful as a lamb. 
By truth and science led. 



46 WELDED LINKS. 

Let there be light ! 
And from his throne, 
The Demon, which the world had owned 

And worshiped as a God, 
Now, sank into oblivious shade, 
While science truthfully displayed 
A God who rules with love. 



THE SEW IN (i (HRL. 



47 



THE SEWING GIRL. 



*i^^22feii 



^ H God ! she cried, is there no rest? 
Can I no comfort find ? 



P 



^6M' And must I thus forever stitch, 
Stitch on until I'm blind ? 



'Twas ten o'clock! a winter's night — 
This poor girl sat and sewed, 

Till blinding tears her eyes had wet, 
But yet she sewed, she sewed. 



Oh God ! she said, that bread and fire 
Should be so dearly bought. 

So many stitches one must take. 
And for so little wrought. 



48 WELDED LINKS. 

The deadly paleness in her face, 

Still seemed to grow more white; 

While the dazzling- brightness of her eyes 
Outshone the stars of night. 

Her tears fell fast, but faster still 
Her thread and needle flew, 

Till every flounce was in its place, 

Frills, placed where they were due. 

Thus, pieces lovely garments wrought; 
But lovelier far is she, 
Than brilliant gems, or diadems 
Brou""ht from fair India's sea. 



& 



Her pearly fingers, sylph-like form. 
Would feast an artist's eye. 

While the matchless beauty of her face, 
Would with an aneel's vie. 



THE SEWINC; GIRL. 49 

But yet this fairy creature toils, 

To gain her scanty bread ; 
While poodle dogs in laps are held, 

And bounteously fed. 

Oh God ! she cried, can this be right, 

To heap so much of woe 
On gentle woman's loving heart. 

While dogs are pampered so ? 

She would not gainst God's law rebel, 

Nor taste unholy bread ; 
Although her soul was famishino- 

For what to dogs was fed. 

Oh Angels! should she chance to err — 

God only knows, she may, — 
Let not her scribe who writes in Heaven, 

Keep record of the day. 



50 



WELDED LINKS. 



A MOTHER'S LAMENT. 



J 



Wy 



t 



^Mk might not with such strenofth of will 
have loved, 
Could I have known, that direful fate 
would blast 
So sweet, and fair a flower. 



I conned the precious treasure o'er — 

'twas mine, 
And in my heart, laid up full store 

of love. 
For years that might come after. 



A MOTHERS LAMENT. 5! 

I watched her every waking- hour 

with joy, 
And thought I ne'er had seen a flower 

so sweet, 
Nor yet one half so pretty. 



No mother's love could be more strong- 

than mine — 
'Twas essence from the love divine 
for one, 
Whom none was more deserving. 

She seemed of me to be a part, 

and was 
The sum, and substance of my heart ; 

she made 
My home a blissful Eden. 



52 WELDED LINKS. 

Yet she did not belong to earth, 

and hence, 
The angfels sougfht her from her birth, 
Heaven 
Was incomplete without her. 



The favored moment came at last, 

and then 
They took my darling, and with her, 

have passed 
Beyond the darksome river. 



MAGDALENA. 



53 



MAGDALENA. 



"^(^C^Cj^^M 



ffpyii ITH the ano^uish of her soul's unrest, 




~t^j2And hands clasped closely on her breast, 

Up 



1^ She raised her longing- eyes to Heaven, 
In search of peace, earth hath not given, 



She loneinu: looked to the ether blue. 
Where angels seemed herself to view. 
And wondered if their home so bright, 
Might give her soul some ray of light. 



And she clearly saw some garments fair. 
Which looked like those she used to wear , 
And with her eyes thus fixed on Heaven, 
A matchless charm to her was given. 



54 WELDED LINKS. 

Oh, her robes with scarlet stains were lull, 
Yet they became as white as wool ; 
And for her anguish and unrest. 

O 

The peace of Heaven possessed her breast, 

While looking still to the pearly height, 
Another form appeared In sight. 
Whose bleeding hands, and feet, and side, 
Proclaimed for sinners He had died. 

'Twas at the word of His command, 
There came from Heaven a shining band, 
And each one bore a royal crown. 
For such as were with grief bowed down. 

"Reach forth thy hand, a crown is thine;" 
Were ever words like these sublime? 
"The righteous came I not to save." 
But sinners freely He forgave. 



MAC.DAI.ENA. 55 



Oh, Magdalene, and sinners all, 
Who from )'our high estate did fall, 
Here's loving kindness, full and free. 
To wash all guilt from you and me. 

The righteous have no need ot Him 
Tis only they who've tasted sin. 
For whom our Savior cried — 
" Eloi ! Eloi ! Sabachthani ! " 
And bowed His head and died. 



56 WELDED LINKS. 



V 



A COMMON HERITAGE. 

I. 

^""XULTANT Monarch! bend your head, 
^J® Why thy proud look and stately tread ? 
5^ Why thy Imperious, haughty will ? 
^' Thou dost a small commission fill. 

IL 

Wherefore the words of thy command ? 
Thou art a serf upon the land ; 
And even to thy utmost hour — 
The mandates of a higher power 

in. 
Shall rule thee with a mightier hand 
Than any power thou canst command ; 
Yea ! even to thy latest breath, 
When holding converse with King Death 



A COMMON HERITAGE. 57 

IV. 

Thou Still shalt feel this mighty law 
Before which nations bend in awe; 
And thou shalt own this power divine, 
And bowing, worship at its shrine. 

V. 

Then, boast not of thy high estate, 
For but one cause thou canst be great, 
And that all men may claim. 
'Tis that Jehovah's signet's worn 
By all mankind, however shorn 

Of worldly pomp, and gain. 

VI. 

'Twas by a Master Workman's art. 
That every brow and every heart 
Is more or less divine. 
And man is either great or small, 
As he partakes of what to all, 
An Infinite hath given. 



WELDED LINKS. 

vn. 
A common heritag^e hath all, 
Jehovah God, hath deigned to call 
Each, of mankind His child ; 
And to each one a crown hath given, 
That in the summing up in Heaven 
There might not one be lost. 

vin. 
Then, let oblations rise in praise, 
To Him, who's numbered all our days, 
And made His work complete : 
The richest tribute we can bring. 
Is reverence for our God and King 
With love for all mankind. 



THE ORIGIN OF LIFE. 



59 



THE ORIGIN OF LIFE. 



'^^ fe>j)~.ri 



HE race of life, where hath its bound? 



irl^llts beginning, where is it found? 
f 



Or whence its course doth flow? 
In what dark age had spirit birth? 
Was it before there was on earth? 

Or life in empty air? 



What womb of space with pregnant air 
First found intelligence was there. 

And thought was brought to life? 
Was it before the shining sun's 
Creative light began to run? 

Nor moon, nor stars there were? 



6o WELDED LINKS. 

How grand the thought, how deep, how wide 
How fathomless thou spirit Bride, 

First in the womb of Time: 
Unnumbered ages have grown old, 
Since first the spirit birth was told, 

And God reigned every-where. 

Eternal too, shall be the flow 
Of mystic ages, where we go 

When life's full course is run ; 
'Tis not for mortals to divine 
The space in which there is no time. 

And day no night may know. 

There cycles unto cycles roll, 
While countless ages, shall unfold 

Their own great truths to man ; 
Infinite space he shall explore 
And traverse every shining shore, 

With God Supreme o'er all. 



IN MEMORIAM. 



6i 



IN MEMORIAM. * 




HAT dread alarm is this I hear? 
What wail is this breaks on my ear? 
fSv^>' Hath death, in unexpected hour, 

Mowed down another lovely flower ? 



And hath the reaper gone his round 
When friendly aid could not be found, 
And with his scythe cut down the fair? 
Was this the wail broke on the air ? 

Was no one there to smooth her brow, 
No one to kiss or comfort now? 
No one to ^ive a word of cheer 
When cruel Death was drawing- near? 



» of Mrs. E. A. C., who was ntricken down in an epileptic tit •' From tliu bloom of health 
to tho pallor of death" at the Russ Uoubc, San Francisco, May 11th, 1H~4. 



62 WELDED LINKS. 

No husband with a loving heart 
To ward away Death's cruel dart? 
No Father! Mother! Sister dear — 
Did no one then to her appear? 

No one ! No one! How can it be 
That one so tjood and kind as she 
Should die alone? and no one near 
To dissipate her every fear ? 

Thoui^h human aid could not be found, 
Ano-elic hosts did her surround; 
And with her passed the lonely vale, 
Where Death can never more assail. 

Then weep her not ! though sad and drear 
May be your homes without her here : 
What she has gained, is richer far 
Than all of earthly treasures are. 



AT A DILAPIDATED CIRAVE. 63 



AT A DILAPIDATED GRAVE IN LONE 
MOUNTAIN. 



^WH ! thou hast struggled long and well 
To gain ambition, fame; 
Yet thou hast scarcely left behind 
The memory of thy name. 



Is this the end? the final sum 

That man may hope to gain.? 

The recompense for all his cares — 
Reward for all his pain? 

A narrow house, so closely built 

That one can't turn him round? 

And even that encased in earth, 
Full six feet under around? 



64 WELDED LINKS. 

Where creeping worms of slimy form 
May crawl his body o'er ; 

And human friends look on his face, 
Ah ! never, never more? 

Shut out from all the world of light, 
From glory and from fame. 

With single slab above his head. 
On which inscribed his name ? 

If this be all ! the final sum 
That's left us to attain, 

How truly wretched then are we 
How well we may complain. 



MOTHER. 



65 



MOTHER. 




"^HAT name on earth, is there so dear 
As the sacred name, Mother ? 
';§^P What other word, can have the cheer 
To soothe our brow and dry the tear, 
Like the dear word. Mother ? 



Oh tell me where in Heaven, or Earth, 

Another name is found. 
So filled with hallowed memories 
And with such joyous sound, 

As that dear name, Mother? 



What other name can wanderers hear 

In distant, foreign climes, 
To ofive fresh memories of home 
Like that dear name of f/ime, Mother, 
Like that dear name of thine ? 



66 WELDED LINKS. 

What other name can have the power 

To check a wild career ? 
And lead us back from untouched sin, 
As the name we all revere, 

Of blessed Mother dear ? 

What other name can melt the heart 
That's hardened been by crime ? 
And eive contrition to the soul, 
» Like that loved name of thine, Mother, 

Like that loved name of thine? 

Dearest Mother, thy precious name 
Shall fall from lips in prayer; 

That God will keep thee safe from harm, 
And shield thee, every-where, 
And shield thee, every-where. 



CAN I BE FICKLE. 67 



CAN 1 BE FICKLE? 



^?^^^? 



a 



r EAR one, could 1 for sure depend 



i^ 



mifp- 



,^Q-4i That thou wouldst love till life should end 
Its weary pilgrimage, 



I'd seek no other place to rest 
My bruised heart or aching breast, 
But in thy fond embrace. 

I'd look me to no other sky 

Than that in which thy charming eye 

Would give my soul its light ; 
I d look me for no other joy 
Than that which should my soul employ, 

Forever lovinuf thee. 



68 WELDED LINKS. 

I'd twine the tendrils of my heart 

Where thou shouldst share the greater part 

And be my chief delight; 
I'd have one thouQfht, and that of thee, 
That where thou wert, there I might be, 

And from thee never part. 

No breath should cool my heated brow 
But that which did thy love endow, 

And wert of thee a part ; 
No lips should press their nectar sweet 
Where mine, in unison should meet 

Companionship of soul. 

No other voice should charm my ear, 
Be thou soever far or near, 

I still would faithful be; 
No other form should please my eye, 
For thee, I evermore would sigh 

And loving worship thee. 



CAN I BE FICKLE. . 69 



I'd ask no other earthly gain, 
Forego all pleasure, bear all pain 

To share thy love alone; 
And only fickle would I be. 
When feelinpf thou hast set me free 

In loving yet another. 



70 



WELDED LINKS. 



THINGS TO AVOID. 




WO things In life, there's to avoid ; 

Their steps, take hold on hell; 

They'll prey upon your vital force, 

And sound your funeral knell. 



They'll fill your bodies with disease, 
And worse, pollute your soul ; 

They'll rob you of life's happiness, 
Your comfort, and repose. 



They'll sever home, and family ties, 
And give a mortal sting; 

Nor can the smallest solace give. 
For the misery they bring. 



THINGS TO AV0IL>. 7 1 

Twin Sisters these two vices are, 

They flourish as the rose ; 
They'll put their stamp upon your face, 

And blossom on your nose. 

There's no disguise can hide the fact, 

If these, are chosen friends; 
Though frailty's weak, she still is strong 

In accomplishing her ends. 



72 



WELDED LINKS. 



OUR DARLING. 



^f^^^\^ E miss him ! we miss him our darling-, 



9 We miss his sweet prattle and glee; 
d we lonof once more to behold him, 
Our darlinof that's over the sea. 




The cot, and the cradle are empty ; 
The bat, and the ball on the floor. 
And the drum, is still where he left it. 
For Freddie will use them no more. 



The birds, when they sing their sweet carols- 
Sing lonely, and sadly to me; 

And my heart, seems bursting with anguish, 
For Freddie far over the sea. 



OUR DARLING, T^ 

The morning- now dawns on us sadly, 

Our souls with a weight is oppressed ;' 

Our darling, we never may see him 

Nor clasp his loved form to our breast. 

The Angels, they came with a whisper — 
So quiet none heard them but he; 

He listened to what they said to him, 
And with them, passed over the sea. 

Oh Angels ! come, once again whisper, 
And this time, please whisper to me ; 

And bring me some news from my darling, 
My darling that's over the sea. 

Oh tell me, if baby is wishing 

His mamma would come to him soon, 
And if in his beautiful heaven 

For all there is plenty of room. 



74 WELDED EINKS. 

Oh Angels! who cares ior my baby? 

Have you a blest seraph so fair 
That, by her sweet, tender caresses, 

He thinks his dear mamma is there? 

I know that I hear, when I listen. 
Sweet music from over the sea ; 

'Tis Angels, a lullaby singing. 

And baby is thinking it's me. 



ODE TO 'IIIK MOUNTAINS. 



75 



ODE TO THE MOUNTAINS. 



^a 



AM 






\ ONDROUS works ! of a mig-lity power 



^^ Unsolved as yet by man — 

Stretched o'er a grand and wide expanse 
By a mysterious hand. 



Thy breasts are rounded amply full ; 

Thy heads oft pierce the sky ; 
Forth reach thy hands o'er many lands ; 

Thy brows are lifted hig-li. 



Thy feet strike deep into the earth ; 

Thy strides are very wide ; 
Far reaching from the East, to West, 

From North to South, beside. 



76 WELDED LINKS. 

Thy heads a various signet wear, 
Crowned by imperious will 

With rocky crest, and emerald vest ; 
Thy tears fill many a rill. 

On one of thy tall steepled heig-hts, 
O'erlooking all the world, 

' ris said a prince did once ascend, 
To achieve a purpose bold. 

There, with a broad and wide domain 
Spread out before his view, 

Said he to Truth and Innocence,: 
"All this I'll give to you — 

"Provided you will bend the knee, 
"And call me Master, King — 

"The treasures of this vast expanse 
"To your keeping I will bring." 



ODE TO THE MOUNTAINS. ']'] 

Hurled back, the offer of his g'old, 

Hurled back, his base design, 
W hile Satan, cowering at their feet, 

Proclaimed this law divine: 

That Truth and Innocence shall stand, 

And o'er the world prevail ; 
They shall be King, and Monarch too 

Though Death and Hell assail. 

Ah! 'tis not gold, nor rubies, King, 

Nor aught of earthly treasure, 
To these, your offerings may not bring 

In full, nor stinted measure. 

Bring your oblations to the throne 

Where sit enshrined the ofraces 
Of honest Innocence and Truth, 

As seen in human faces. 



78 



WELDED LINKS. 

These are the highest types of Man, 
God's noblest work, divine ; 

In Heaven above, nor Earth beneath, 
There is no higher shrine, 

'Tis God Himself, made manifest 
In this His wondrous plan. 

Whereby His greatest work is shown 
In irrepressible Man. 



MV FATHERS GRAVE. 



79 



MY FATHER'S GRAVE. 







^ HAT pang- on earth is there so great, 

As that which pierced me sore, 
When a loving Father bowed his head. 
And was of earth no more.'* 



That pang sank deep into my soul ; 

The joyous world seemed drear; 
My heart was wrung with agony. 

Tear followed d/^U^r tear. 



Fond recollections rise afresh. 

But how their mem'ries sting; 

No loving thought, or word, or deed. 
Can aught of solace bring. 



8o WELDED LINKS. 

Such hopeless grief is this we feel, 
None with it can compare; 

For who may give us back our dead? 
Who lighten our despair? 

The grass shall wave above his tomb ; 

The winds shall moan, and sigh ; 
Him shall we never see again, 

Nor feel his presence nigh. 

Autumnal rains shall shed their tears 
Upon his lonely tomb; 

And winter winds shall sing his dirge 
For ages yet to come. 



THE OUTCAST. 



8i 



THE OUTCAST. 




j-j^HE died all alone, 
W^ And no one was near, 
To shed for this Outcast 
A pitying- tear, 
Or pillow her comfortless head. 



She died all alone. 

In darkness of night, 
The stars looked down on this 
Pitiable siofht — 
In wretchedness, want and in woe. 



82 WELDED LINKS. 

She died all alone; 

Poor child of despair ; 
Was freighted with grief, 
And laden with care — 
Weighed down with the guilt of her soul. 

She thought of her home, 
And days of her youth ; 
Unblemished her soul, 
And spotless as truth 
Was her blush, in life's early morn. 

But came there an hour 

When, tempted by sin. 
Like mortal, she fell 

From sin unto sin, 
And drank of the wormwood and gall. 



THE OUTCAST. 

She tasted the drears 

Of the bottomless pit ; 
Cast out from the world — 
A thing, that's unfit 
To mix with the rest of mankind. 



They buffet and hoot 
This child, in her crime; 

More guilty are they 
In eyes just, divine, 
Than she whom they scorn in her woe. 



Speak kindly to such, 
And lighten their care; 

Tell them there is hope 
For those in despair; 



84 WELDED LINKS. 

Tell them, though erring", 
That they may regain 

Woman's high crowning; 
To which, to attain, 



They must abandon 
The highways of shame. 

And ofo, crown themselves 
Pure women as^ain. 



She wandered from home, 

Denying her name ; 
She would not pollute 
Her parents' fair fame. 
Nor mantle their cheeks with a blush. 



THE OU rCAST. 85 

She buried her griet, 

And sank in her shame ; 
Down, down to the depths 
She suddenly came, 
And wondered if Ciod was severe. 

She raised up her eyes, 

To offer a prayer, 
But faltered her tongue ; 
'Twas mute with despair. 
Though Angels were waiting to sa^^e. 

Her prayer was a sigh 

That God would be kind, 
And hide in darkness 
Her sins from her mind, 
And give her composure and rest. 



86 WELDED ],1NKS. 

She lo listed for waters ; 

Stepped into the pool ; 
Drank of the fountain ; 

Was washed and made whole 
With Aneels drew nearer to God. 

Was heard there a sound 
In Heaven so clear, 

As when this sinner, 
Repentant, drew near, 
To sit at the feet of the Lamb ? 

Clothed in new garments, 

With never a stain. 
Came, as a Seraph 

Or briofht Anq-el came — 
For God is forgiving to all. 



I WISH I WEKK DEAD. 



87 



"I WISH 1 WERE DEAD." 




F- WISH 1 were dead!" 



How carelessly said, 
Jj'^ One bright and early morning. 
\ Wish to be dead in summer time? 
While life is scarcely in its prime? 
Ere thy sun to noon has risen? 



Wish to be dead ! 

How careless said — 
How lightly it was spoken; 
The summers' suns have ris'n and set, 
In years but twenty-three, as yet, 
And shone upon )-our head. 



88 WELDED LINKS. 

Wish to be dead! 

For what wouldst die? 
Hast thou no aim for which to sigh, 
No object yet ere thou shalt die, 
No purpose to attain? 

Wish to be dead ! 

Hast thou fulfilled 
The object of thy Father's will, 
For which He sent thee here? 
Is there no hope, thy soul to thrill — 
No mission in thy life to fill — 
That thou shouldst wish to die? 

Wish to be dead 1 

Ah ! say it not ; 
It cannot be thou hast forgot 
There's seed and harvest time: — 



"I WISH I WERE DEAD," 89 

The sun may hide his golden rays, 
But yet there's plentitude of days 
In which to prosper here. 

Wish to be dead ! 

Thou hast no right 
To wish that all this world of light 
Were shut from out thy life — 
This precious life thy God hath given; 
And in thy aim if thou hast striven 
To do His purpose well, 
He'll crown thee with immortal life, 
And thou shalt dwell where there's no strife, 
In all the courts of Heaven. 



90 



WELDED IJNKS. 



CALIFORNIA. 



h H ! oflorioLis lafid, where the sun sinks to rest 
;-->^ In the g-enial folds of Nature's warm breast; 
Iv And, resting his feet in the pulsating sea, 
j Comes with the morning, all radiant with glee, 
And wooes me back to thy Eden of bliss. 
Where Nature tempts Heaven with her balmiest kiss, 



AN'OTIIER OU rCAST. 



91 



ANOTHER OUTCAST. 



IlKill NOT HER outcast, great God ! here is found, 
ill^^^With nau"-ht for her bed but comfortless eround ; 
With naug-ht to shelter, or shield her from cold — 
The buffets of men, and scorn of the world. 



Eyes, once like diamonds, outrivaled the stars ; 
Soul, pure as Venus, and lovely as Mars ; 
Moulded her figure, by genius and grace. 
And carved in beauty, each line of her face. 



Pit)' her. Seraphs, oh, pity ! I cried ; 
Pity her, Jesus, in sin though she died! 
ThouLfh wandered from home like Prodiijal Son- 
Pity her, Father I she still is Tliinc own. 



92 WELDED LINKS. 

Oh ! save her to-niofht, thouo-h livino- or dead, 
And, Heaven's pure Angels, shed tears on her head. 
Oh ! pity her, God, wherever she's found, 
And let not a curse cry out from the ground. 

Though marked, as was Cain, on forehead and brow 
Once stainless her soul — oh, that it were now ! 
Canst Thou not shrive her, dear Lord, as of yore. 
And bid her in peace, go and sin never more? 

Jesus, our Saviour! she's praying to Thee — 

She's heard of Thy love, and dark Calvary ; 

She's heard of Thy groans, and tears Thou didst shed 

For those who in sin and trespass were dead. 

She's heard that Thou lovest and still art with men ; 
Dost love and forgive, though sinners they've been. 
Jesus, forgive her, wash out her stain; 
Crown her, though fallen, Thy kindred again. 



TO A FRIEND 



93 



TO A FRIEND. 



rjiiimEM'RY, dear Memory, 
f^ws; E'er faithful and true, 
^' \ Brings a halo of glory 
When thinking of you. 
The past and the present, 

Too full for despair, 
Bid me hope for the future, 

And wrestle with care ; 
Bid me bury the past 

As something that's dead ; 
Only live for the present, 
Let dead bury the dead. 



94 WELDED LINKS. 

Yet one press of thy hand, 

One look from thine eye, 
Just one comforting word — 

To know that a sigh 
Is upwelling for me — 

Life's ills would dispel, 
And brio^hten the future. 

Then tell me, ah ! tell, 
If of me thou dost think. 

If still in thy heart 
There remains but one link 

Which binds me to thee. 



CHRISTMAS. 95 



CHRISTMAS. 



};p3?ING out the bells, the merry bells, 
1^^. Each joyous Christmas bell ; 
°\ Ring out o'er all the happy land. 



r 



Your joyous tidings tell. 



Ring out, ring out with joyous strain, 

Peal forth in loud acclaim ; 
This is the year of jubilee. 

Glad tidings now proclaim. 

Good will and peace reign o'er the land ; 

No warrior's tramp is heard; 
From East to West, from North to South, 

Send forth the joyous word. 



96 WELDED LINKS. 

Ring out the call, the loving- call, 
That summons friends together. 

And there let each in union clasp 
The other as his brother. 

Ring forth, ring forth in every heart, 
Ring forth a song of praise 

To Him, the ever living God, 
The Ancient One of days. 



TO A HUSBAND. 



97 



TO A HUSBAND. 




g^AY thine eye never shine less brig'htly than now, 

; Nor the rose in thy cheek become dim, 

' \ Nor furrow e'er wrinkle thy fair marble brow, 

Nor a passion provoke thee to sin. 



No tempter allure from the home thou hast loved. 
From the wife and the child thou hast blest ; 

Ne'er permit any other to pillow her head 
Where the wife of thy bosom should rest. 



Oh, look not on her who would tempt thee to stray, — 

On the form that bewitching, allures; 
She's charms that may last scarce a full, fleetino- day, 

And their pleasures may tarnish thy years. 



98 WELDED J, INKS. 

Look not on the wine when it sparkles so red, 
Nor once taste of the full, flowing bowl : 

'Twill lessen the beauty and grace of thy heart, 
And the charm of thy generous soul. 



THE FOUNDLING. 



99 



THE FOUNDLING. 



^(i£^^| 




HOSE child is this? 



,,^v^^ The Foundlingfs' Home 
v,Ns-\ Hath found another charge- 
Driftinor on the sea of life — 



A frail and tiny barge. 



Whose child is this? 

A tender waif 
Bereft of father love ; 

None to guide its little feet, 
Save Him who rules above. 



I'OO WELDED LINKS, 

Whose child is this? 

What mother love 
Hath been so turned to stone? 

How could she thus leave her child 
Abandoned and alone? 

W^hose child is this? 

Ah ! who can tell 
What sea of human woe 

'Whelmed in sorrow mother love, 
In its divinest flow. 

Whose child is this? 

But here's a card 
Upon the little waif, 

Written in the finest hand 
Which woman's pen could trace. 



THK FOUNDLING. lOI 

Upon Its face and on its clothes 

Are sprinkled briny tears, 
Which fell like rain drops, while she prayed 

That all the coming years 
Would save her child from such distress 

As wrung- its mother's heart. 
When forced by utter helplessness 

From her first-born to part. 
What untold anguish caused those tears ! 

How rapidly they fell — 
Betraying by their overflow 

A Lrrief no tonofue can tell. 
No artist's brush could ever paint 

Such poignancy of grief, 
No human lips could utter words 

To ofive her soul relief. 
"Oh. God!" she cried in her despair, 

" How can I leave my child.? 



I02 WELDED LINKS. 

With contumely I am hissed, 

My brain seems turning wild ; 
And love has changed to serpents' stings, 

Which mock me in my woe ; 
And women shun me in my path, 

As something vile and low. 
Life's sweetest pleasures on my lips 

Hang heavy, like a pall. 
Oh! why, like Hager, am I left 

In abandonment to fall? 
And, like her, cast my child away, 

Beyond a mother's care? 
My only offering of love! 

My God ! in mercy spare. 
Oh, spare me from this bitter cup, 

This draught of deepest woe. 
Which falls like ice upon my heart, 

And freezes every flow 



THE I'OUNDLIXc;. lO^ 

Of life's warm, pushing, crimson tide: — 

Upon my frenzied soul 
It casts a cloud as dense and dark 

As did o'er Calvary roll." 
And then, upon her bended knee. 

With babe clasped to her breast. 
Oh! how she plead with God in Heaven, 

In anguish and unrest. 
That He who feeds the raven's young-. 

And hears them when they cry, 
Would not desert her darling cliild. 

But would be ever nigh. 
And then, ah ! then, how tremblingly 

She turned her wearied quest, 
Where little foundlings have a home. 

And here's another LTuest. 



I04 



WELDED LINKS. 



THREE LINKS— RESIGNATION, FAITH 
AND HOPE. 



^csk 



^ 



IS as the eood aneels would have it, 



sS^ God knoweth and doeth what's best, 
And from the dark waves which engulf us 
We'll grather sweet comfort and rest. 



Deep down in the ocean of sorrow 
Lie hidden full many a goal ; 

We may from Gethsemane borrow 
Rare jewels, as priceless as souls. 



There flows with the blood and the water. 
Which gush from humanity's side, 

Such truths as we only may gather 

When the thong and spear are applied. 



THREE LINKS RESIGNATION, FAITH AND HOPE. IO5 

The wine press which mangles and crushes 
Each feelin^r and thought, as it rolls. 

Distils, in its richest profusion. 
The sweetest aroma of souls. 

The thorns which imprint on our foreheads 

The stamps of unutterable woe, 
Are signets and seals of our Master, 

Whose love never ceases to flow. 

And the cross which all men must carry, 

However so early or late, 
Is a si^rnal sent to them from Heaven, 

And a pass at death's beautiful gate. 



io6 



WELDED LINKS. 



TO MASONRY. 



)i^^ 



'^ 



E noble men, Free Masons, 
So staunch, and true, and tried. 
Your faith is founded on the Word 
Which good men neer deride. 



Yours is the faith of Abraham, 
Whose precepts were divine; 

And all the teachings of your faith 
Are squared by plumb and line. 



'Twas in the old Jerusalem 
Your Craft was first made known ; 

Your members then were sons of toil. 
Hewers of wood and stone. 



TO MASONRY. ^O^ 

Still later was your Craft confirmed 

By the famous council Troyes; 
Who, in their wisdom, understood 

Your grand and holy law. 

Then on your altars there was laid 

A holy, sacred volume ; 
In it is found your rules of faith, 

Whereon rests every column. 

Then, with foundations firm and strong 

Your columns all upholding, 
Still build upon the Book of books,— 

God's sacred truths unfolding. 

The corner-stones of nations all, 

Bearing exalted name, 
Are laid within your mighty Craft,— 

Their principles the same. 



108 WELDED LINKS. 

The churches of the nations, 

Whatever be their name, 
Cannot excel, in all their good, 

The glory of your fame. 

Your hands reach out o'er all the land, 
To help a needy brother ; 

While every orphaned child is thine. 
And every widowed mother. 

Your bonds of faith, insep'rable, 
Bind each one to the other ; 

And you have yet another tie, 

More strong than that of brother. 

It wards off sad, impending fate, 
And shields when can't another ; 

This is the tie that binds more strong 
Than brother unto brother. 



TO MASON RV. 109 

It makes the dark skin as the white ; 

The Jew and Gentile brother; 
Here likewise meet the friend and foe, 

And, meeting-, love each other. 

Then, with foundations firm and strong, 

Your base, God's holy volume. 
Still build upon the Book of books. 

On it rests every column. 



I lO WELDED LINKS. 



RETROSPECTION AND ANNUNCIATION. 



^ HAT are all life's joys and sorrows? 




•'^y^- What are all its griefs and pains? 
What are all its disappointments? 

What its treasures? What its stains? 



Short lived moments, quickly passing, 
Days, that change them into night ; 

Hours of pleasure change to sadness, 
Darkness takes the place of light. 

Hopes lie withered, hearts are bleeding; 

Brightest prospects quickly fade ; 
Thorns are strewn along our pathway; 

Clouds the brightest sunshine shade. 



KETKOSPECTION AN I) EN UN«ATION. Ill 

But a morn of l^riLrht awak'nino^, 

Where immortelles deck hill and glade, 

Dawns on our expectant vision, 

Flow'rs bloom there and never fade. 

There we gain life's compensation. 

Sorrows are exchanged for joy; 
Hopes once withered bloom in beauty. 

Pleasures tasted never cloy. 

In that home is life's fruition ; 

Rainbow tints each cloud becurl ; 
And each drop of heart blood anguish 
There becomes a shining pearl. 

Crippled age comes back to manhood. 

Steps once feeble now are strong. 
Health and beauty crown each forehead, 

Sobs of sorrow change to song. 



I 12 WELDED LINKS. 

Hallelujahs now re-echo 

All along the sounding shore; 

Mortals catch the revibration, 
Weldinof links forevermore. 



WOMAN. 113 




WOMAN. 



^|V HAT, indeed, art thou, oh, Woman? 



? Heart with tender fibres strung; 
Love enduring, never failing, 

Though thy soul with sorrow'^ wrung. 



Though thy prospects all are faded, 
And thy hopes each one decay, 

Thou dost bring thy votive offering, 
Where hope's smouldering ashes lay. 

Though dishonor crown man's forehead. 

He who should thy glory be, — 
Thou wilt even bear his burthen, 

Never asking to be free. 



114 WELDED LINKS. 

Through life's youth and bloom- of summer, 
Through life's bitter sleet and snow, 

Thou dost follow man's meanderings — 
Where he leads thou'lt trustine STO. 



t) t> 



Thou art seen in gory battle, 
Thou art seen on ocean's main, 

In thy woman's fond endeavor 
Brother, lover to regain. 

Glorious woman, wife and mother. 
Truest love thy soul doth bear ; 

Never shrinking from thy duty. 
Bearing patient all thy care. 

Thou art found, oh, faithful woman, 
Where the fever's scorching pain 

Drinks up all of health and beauty. 
Making- mad the burningf brain. 



WOMAN. I I 5 

There with hand both soft and i^entle, 

Ministerintr with kindly touch, 
Man doth bless thee as an angel : — 

And, oh woman, thou art such. 

In thy home, dear, priceless woman, 
Thou art man's chief help and friend; 

Thou dost make of life an Eden, — 
This thy mission, purpose, end. 

Thou art chosen, gentle woman. 

By thy unexampled form. 
As the mother of the Nations, — 

Thou wast not for contest born. 

But should misfortune call thee forth, 

To stem life's stormy sea. 
In noble deeds, or works, or faith, 

Thou wilt not wantinuf be. 



I I 6 WELDED LINKS. 

"Excelsior" thy motto, then, 
Oh woman, doubly crowned, 

For in thy perfect womanhood 
Man's noblest gifts abound. 

All that's good, and pure, and holy, 

Finds embodiment in thee; 
In thy being there is blended 

Perfect love and trinity. 

Noblest mission ever given, 
Seraphs not so regal crowned 

As art thou, oh, peerless woman, — 
Heaven hath not thine equal found. 

In thy soul, oh, matchless woman, 
Thou hast fascinating charms ; 

And their power wields stronger weapons, 
Than man's ballot, or hii> arms. 



